Multiple+Personality

=~Multiple Personality Di sorder~ =



//What is it? //
Multiple Personality Disorder, or Dissociative Identity Disorder is a type of dissociative mental disorder characterized by the existence of two or more distinct, independent personalities in a person which may control behavior while being unaware of the other personalities and of their memories and experiences. Each of the personalities has their own traits and attitudes. For example, one personality may prefer jazz music while the other only likes rap.The average number of personalities to people with the disorder is between 2 and 15, while some people may have up to 100 different personalities. Environmental triggers and life events can cause people to shift from one personality to another.

//**Signs and Symptoms**//
 * Depression
 * Mood swings
 * Suicidal tendencies
 * Sleep disorders
 * Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
 * Alcohol and drug abuse
 * Compulsions and rituals
 * Hallucinations
 * Eating disorders

Other symptoms of Multiple Personality Disorder may include headaches, amnesia, time loss, trances,and "out of body" experiences. Some people with this disorder may find themselves doing things they wouldn't normally do such as stealing, reckless driving, and cheating which at other times may seem revolting to them.

//**Causes of Multiple Personality Disorder **// The causes of multiple personality disorder are still very vague to researchers but it is determined that biological and environmental factors are main causes of the disorder. Studies show that 98% to 99% of people with dissociative disorders have had personal histories of disturbing or life threatening events such as accidents, abuse, and neglect often before the age of 9. People with Multiple Personality disorder usually have close relatives who have also had similar experiences. Females are more often affected by Multiple Personality Disorder. More than 5 times as many women then men have the disorder.

//**General Public Perception of Multiple Personality Disorder **// Many people are afraid of people with Multiple Personality Disorder and may find them to be "psycho" or anti-social. Multiple Personality Disorder is commonly confused with Schizophrenia, another type of mental disorder. Many people who have it are often misdiagnosed with having schizophrenia or seizures. There is also a wide range of people who believe the disorder doesn't exist and that people who have it are simply making it up or seeking attention.

//**Treatment and Controversy **// There isn't a cure for Multiple Personality Disorder, but to patients who are committed to long term treatment, the results pay off. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and art or movement therapy. Since dissociative disorders have many symptoms in common with depression and anxiety, patients are often treated with the same anti-depressants. = =

//**Sources **// http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder

"Dissociative Disorders." //Health Matters!//. 2. Danbury: Grolier, 2002. Print.

http://www.mental-disorder.net/wb/pages/personality-disorders/multiple-personality-disorder/causes-of-multiple-personality-disorder.php


 * //Related Pages //**

__Schizophrenia__ http://mccarthyhealth2q2pd6.wikispaces.com/Schizophrenia

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